LANSING, MI USA - In a changing market where theatrical numbers are down, distributors and exhibitors are looking for new ways to increase traffic. One way is to bring fresh exciting content to the theater and that is what is happening with films like “Ashes of Eden”. Audiences want to see powerful dramas that have realistic topics and inspirational messages. While “Ashes of Eden” has drawn great reviews from the faith market, it is a crime drama first. The story follows a young man in trouble with the law and his mother, a police officer, wrestling with her faith. This film attracts both the youth and adult markets providing a glimpse at the communication issues that often exist between them.

FOUR STAR REVIEW

“Ashes of Eden is a tension filled and emotionally packed movie. It’s gritty and raw, presenting a visceral slice of reality that is all too often absent from faith-based movies. But it’s also a powerfully redemptive movie, one in which God’s grace and mercy can be clearly seen.” - Christian St. John (Christian Review)

(Full review)

http://www.christianreview.com/movie-review-ashes-of-eden/

“Our screenings have had big turnouts, rivaling larger studio films playing at the same theater. Audiences have opportunities to vote with their dollar, and they are choosing our film [Ashes].” ​- Shane Hagedorn, director

The film has just been picked up to play in the Emagine Theater chain in the Detroit, Michigan area in mid September and is currently in negotiations with several other chains and art house theaters across the country. Producers DJ Perry and Shane Hagedorn will continue to book the film until the film’s 1st quarter 2015 North America domestic release on DVD and VOD everywhere.

“ASHES OF EDEN” Announce First Cast For Immediate Release – Sept 2012 Lansing, MI USA The Michigan based feature film “Ashes of Eden” was recently announced. This gritty yet inspirational action/drama will be produced by New House Entertainmentin association with Collective Development Inc. and Ahptic Productions. It was announced that in addition to producing, Shane Hagedorn (Fairview St, Realizism) and DJ Perry (Deadly Renovations, Locked in a Room) will have supporting roles in the film. “Our roles are almost polar opposites in character and virtue” – DJ Perry Shane Hagedorn is directing from his own script and for the past several weeks cast and crew evaluations have been underway. Joining the cast will be New York City actor Carlucci Weyant, having starred in such international projects as “Karma, Crime, Passion, Reincarnation” filmed in India and the upcoming “Benjamin” making festival rounds now. Melissa Anschutz of Saugatuck, Michigan recently starred in the powerful drama “7 Stones” also produced in association with Collective Development Inc. joins the cast as the lead's mother, in a co-starring role of a police officer dealing with her troubled son. The project has also attached Dean Teaster to the film in a supporting role of a preacher. He previously starred in the faith film “Figure in the Forest” currently playing on Trinity Broadcast Network. "[Ashes] is filled with characters desperately fighting and striving for very crucial needs; forgiveness, or redemption, and others, for love. I believe audiences will relate to them, their world, and their struggle." -- Shane Hagedorn This film will have the edge of a film like “Narc” by filmmaker Joe Carnahan with additional redemptive qualities that will play to a faith/inspirational audience. Ultimately, Ashes of Eden is about relationships, the journey of self discovery, and ultimately, the repercussion of our choices. The production team is currently looking at reels, resumes and meeting with other proposed talent and keys. The team has not yet set a definitive start date but it was hinted at an October start.

The past few weeks have been filled with meetings, phone calls, and emails. Nothing new. A private meeting is scheduled in Portland, MI this month. Some Portland City council members, Portland Arts Council members, and local businesses will be in attendance. The producers will field some questions about the movie, the production, and how the city can help make this movie. Portland was a prime location, due to it's warm and friendly atmosphere, small town vibe, and proximity between Grand Rapids and Lansing.

We will keep you up to date on how that meeting goes, as well as other exciting production updates.